Few things incite as much controversy in gaming as microtransactions. Nonetheless, Ubisoft has confirmed that the small in-game purchases will exist withinAssassin’s Creed Unity. The developer has decided to include the option to pay to gain access to features inside the new-gen title for those who don’t want to go through the steps of unlocking the content naturally. Revealing the addition of microtransactions to the series’ next installment, senior produce Vincent Pontbriand spoke with OXM on Thursday to discuss the developer’s decision to include the divisive feature.

Pontbriand stressed that Ubisoft didn’t simply add microtransactions to Assassin’s Creed Unity on a whim. He assured gamers that the developer carefully tried to balance all in-game purchases that will exist within the upcoming title. The team decided to make sure that all purchasable content would actually add value to the game without fundamentally changing gameplay.

To accomplish this, all microtransactions within Assassin’s Creed Unity will only be used to grant gamers early access to in-game unlocks that can still be acquired through normal play; such as the special armors that can be unlocked if players can find a string of hidden collectibles. Rather than jumping through the hoops to gain access to the content, fans will simply be able to pay Ubisoft to have the equipment.

Besides the fact that microtransactions are a polarizing topic in their own right, it hasn’t gone unnoticed that the franchise is giving players the ability to buy stronger gear at the same time that competitive multiplayer is being dropped from the series. Some might feel that the mode that pits players against one another might have been removed to avoid additional cries of “pay-to-win” controversy.

Assassin’s Creed Unity launches later this year exclusively on Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC. For those who only own last-gen platforms, Ubisoft is also releasing Assassin’s Creed Rogue which will continue the ship-based mechanics from Black Flag.

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David is a video gaming expert. After running a successful gaming website and playing games for over 20 years, he's here to keep you updated all console news. He is an artist by trade and appreciates art in all media, especially games.